Multi-branch management for updating software

ABSTRACT

A system for managing updates of an executable component in accordance with an updating tree with multiple branches is provided. In one implementation, specific updates are provided to users with specific problems while general updates are provided to all users of the executable component. A range of lower version numbers is reserved for the general updates. When a specific update with a version number higher than those in the reserved range has been installed on a computing device, an installer may prevent a new general update with a lower version number to be installed. The installer may determine a new specific update corresponding to the general update and provide an indication to the user to install this new specific update instead of the general update. This multi-branch update delivery system enables users to elect to receive only updates that are necessary.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of, and claims priority from,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/275,254 filed on Dec. 20, 2005,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Complex software products are often extensively tested before beingreleased to ensure their performance, stability, and compatibility withother software. However, even after intensive testing, some bugs willinevitably remain in the software products at the time of release. Also,it may not be possible to detect platform specific issues andcompatibility issues that can only become apparent after installation.

To address issues associated with software products after they have beenreleased, updates, such as patches, may be provided to customers toresolve these issues. Software patches may be classified into twocategories: private patches and public patches. A private patch may beprovided by the software developer to one or a few particular customersthat are working with the developer on a particular urgent problemassociated specifically to the particular customers. Typically, theprivate patch is tested to make sure that the problem is fixed and isprovided to the customers in an expedited manner. Because of the shortturnaround time, comprehensive testing often cannot be done. Incontrast, a public patch typically addresses issues with a softwareproduct that affects most or all customers. These issues may involvesecurity, data corruption issues, or the like. Generally, softwaredeveloper broadly distributes a public patch and encourages allcustomers to install the patch. Public patches usually take months toship and are tested more thoroughly since the patches have a muchbroader customer impact.

Patching typically involves a linear progression of the product overtime. The progression is linear because there is a single branch thatholds the product build system, such as sources, data and tools, for thereleased product. Particularly, a new public patch to a software producttypically contains the contents of all previous released private andpublic patches. Updating software products with a linear progressionmodel may cause problems for customers. For example, customers thatinstall a public patch may have to assume the risk of having new issuescaused by previously released private patches that are particularlydesigned to solve specific issues on another customer's system. Also,the software product installed on the customers' systems may be highlytuned to attain optimal efficiency. Installing a public patch withunnecessary modifications may substantially degrade the performance ofthe software product.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in orderto provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not anextensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identifykey/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of theinvention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed hereinin a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description thatis presented later.

The present example provides a system that manages updates of anexecutable component in accordance with an updating tree with multiplebranches. In one implementation, specific updates are provided to userswith specific problems while general updates are provided to all usersof the executable component. A range of lower version numbers isreserved for the general updates. When a specific update with a versionnumber higher than those in the reserved range has been installed on acomputing device, an installer may prevent a new general update with alower version number to be installed. The installer may determine a newspecific update corresponding to the general update and provide anindication to the user to install this new specific update instead ofthe general update. This multi-branch update delivery system enablesusers to elect to receive only updates that are necessary.

Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as thesame becomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description will be better understood from the followingdetailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an example system for updating software with multi-branchmanagement.

FIG. 2 shows an example multi-branch updating tree.

FIG. 3 shows an example multi-branch update version numbering system.

FIG. 4 shows an example process for installing a specific update for anexecutable component.

FIG. 5 shows an example process for installing a general update for anexecutable component.

FIG. 6 shows an example computer device for implementing the describedsystems and methods.

Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in theaccompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description provided below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is notintended to represent the only forms in which the present example may beconstructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of theexample and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating theexample. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may beaccomplished by different examples.

Although the present examples are described and illustrated herein asbeing implemented in a system for updating software with multi-branchmanagement, the system described is provided as an example and not alimitation. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the presentexamples are suitable for application in a variety of different types ofsystems that are capable of managing and providing updates only to usersthat specifically need them.

FIG. 1 shows an example system 100 for updating software withmulti-branch management. Server 103 is a computing device that includesupdate manager 105. Update manager 105 is configured to provide updatesfor an executable component, such as an application, an operating systemor the like. Updates may include patches, hotfixes, generaldistributable releases, or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, executablecomponents 141-143 are distributed copies of the executable componentmanaged by update manager 105 and are installed on client computingdevices 131-133.

Update manager 105 is configured to provide general updates and specificupdates to clients 131-133. Specific updates are released for problemsspecific to one or a few users of the executable component. Typically,specific updates are not necessary for other users that do not have thespecific problems. General updates are released for problems orimprovements that are applicable to all users. General updates andspecific updates are organized into separate update branches. A clientmay elect to be on the general update branch so that the client does nothave to install specific updates that are not applicable. An examplemulti-branch updating tree will be discussed below in conjunction withFIG. 2.

Clients 131-133 may install updates using installers 161-163, which maybe provided by update manager 105. Installers 161-163 may be providedalong with each update or as executable components that resides on theclients. Installers 161-163 may be configured to determine whether ageneral update or a specific update should be installed. Installers161-163 may make this determination by identifying the updating branchon which a client is operating. Installers 161-163 may make thisidentification by examining the version number associated with theupdates that have already been installed on the client. An examplemulti-branch update version numbering system will be discussed below inconjunction with FIG. 3.

As shown by the example system 100 in FIG. 1, client 131 is on a generalupdate branch and includes general updates 151 while client 132 is on aspecific update branch and includes specific updates 152. Client 133includes multiple instances of executable components 143 and bothgeneral and specific updates 153. Some instances of the executablecomponents 143 are on the general update branch while other instancesare on the specific update branch.

The example system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is just one particularimplementation that is described for illustrative purpose. Other systemsmay be implemented to perform the same functionalities as example system100. For example, a multi-branch software updating system may beimplemented without server 103. In this implementation, clients 131-133may acquire general and specific updates through CD's, web downloads,and other distribution mechanisms.

FIG. 2 shows an example multi-branch updating tree 200. Example tree 200includes a general update branch 204 and a specific update branch 203.Update tree 200 begins at point 000 representing a baseline version ofan executable component. The baseline version can be the executablecomponent at release to manufacturing (RTM), after a service pack, orthe like.

After point 000, one or more particular users may experience a problemthat requires a specific fix. These users are typically major customersof the executable component and the developer of the executablecomponent is receptive to provide a specific fix for these majorcustomers' specific problem. As shown in FIG. 2, a specific update 101may be released to the one or more particular users to resolve aspecific problem. Specific update 101 is typically not required forother users that do not have the particular problem that requires thespecific fix. These other users generally include the majority of theusers of the executable component.

When another problem that requires a specific fix occurs, specificupdate 102 may be released to resolve this other problem. Specificupdate 102 includes the content of specific update 101 that fixed theprevious problem. Thus, updates on specific update branch 203 arecumulative and the last specific update includes the solutions providedby all of the previous specific updates on specific update branch 203.

When a problem or improvement affects all users of the executablecomponent, a general update 001 is released. In this example, generalupdate 001 does not include the fixes in specific updates 101 and 102.The users that have not installed specific updates 101 and 102 mayinstall general update 001 and operate on the general update branch 204.For users that have already installed specific updates 101 and 102,general update 001 should not be installed since it may revert thespecific fixes in updates 101-102. In this situation, an update manageris configured to provide specific update 103, which is associated withgeneral update 001. Specific update 103 includes the specific fixesprovided by specific updates 101 and 102 as well as the fixes in generalupdate 001. In this manner, users that are on specific update branch 203may preserve the specific fixes in updates 101 and 102 while benefitingfrom general fixes in update 001.

For ease of illustration, the number labels for general updates 001-003and specific updates 101-111 also represent the version numbers of theupdates. Thus, in the example update tree 200 shown in FIG. 2, specificupdate branch 203 includes 11 specific updates of versions 101-111 andgeneral update branch 204 includes 3 general updates of versions001-003. General updates 001-003 correspond to specific updates 103, 106and 111, respectively.

An installer for updates is configured to determine whether a particularupdate can be installed on a client. The installer is also configured toidentify the association between a general update and a specific update.In one implementation, the installer determines the update branch towhich the client is operating and whether the newly available update iscompatible with that branch. The installer may make the determination byidentifying previously installed updates and their version numbers andcomparing these numbers with the version number on the newly availableupdate. For example, if a client has previously installed specificupdates of versions 101 and 102 and is attempting to install generalupdate 001, the installer will determine that the client cannot installgeneral update 001. The installer may simply determine that the versionnumber of 001 of the general update is smaller than the last previouslyinstalled update version 102. Alternatively, an identifier may be usedto directly indicate which update branch on which the client belongs.The installer may also determine that general update 001 corresponds tospecific update 103 and may provide an indication to the user to installupdate 103 instead.

In another example, a client has previously installed general updateversion 001. If the client selected to install a previously providedspecific update such as specific update 102, the installer is configuredto determine that specific update 102 is not the appropriate update.Particularly, the installer is configured to determine that generalupdate 001, which has already been installed on the client, correspondsto specific update 103. Thus, if the client desires the fix in specificupdate 102, the client should install specific update 103, whichcontains the latest fixes from both specific update branch 203 andgeneral update branch 204. The installer may provide an indication tothe user to install update 103.

The example multi-branch updating tree 200 in FIG. 2 is just oneimplementation shown as an example. Other implementations that providesubstantially the same functionalities are also within the scope of thecurrent disclosure. For example, although only two branches are includedin multi-branch updating tree 200, an updating tree may include morethan two branches to further enable updates to be specifically providedonly to users that need the updates to fix specific problems of theexecutable component.

FIG. 3 shows an example multi-branch update version numbering system300. The version numbers in example system 300 are used to identifyupdates for an executable component. Typically, updates that arereleased first are specific updates and have version numbers in range304. Range 303 serves as a gap for separating specific updates andgeneral updates, and includes version numbers that are reserved forgeneral updates. Having separate ranges of version numbers for generalupdates and specific updates allows the maintenance of a multi-branchupdating tree, such as the example tree 200 shown in FIG. 2. In theevent that the amount of general or specific updates exceeds the amountof version numbers allocated by ranges 303 and 304, new ranges 305 and306 may be created to maintain the separation of the update branches.

In one example implementation, the multi-branch updating managementsystem described above is used to manage updates for a Structured QueryLanguage (SQL) system. Updates for the SQL system include generaldistributable releases (GDRs), which are released to all customers, andhotfixes, which are provided to specific customers to resolve problemsthat are specific to those customers. In this example implementation, agap of reserved version numbers is created between baseline (RTM orservice pack) and the first hotfix. When a GDR is required, it isshipped with an unused reserved version number. Some example generalbehaviors are shown below:

-   -   a) GDRs do not overwrite hotfixes because the hotfix versions        are higher.    -   b) GDRs overwrite lower versioned GDRs.    -   c) Hotfixes overwrite lower versioned hotfixes.

For the special behaviors, installers of GDR and hotfixes are configuredto understand that branching is enabled:

-   -   a) For every GDR that is shipped, a hotfix is also created that        contains all the previous hotfix changes plus the GDR change.    -   b) When installing a hotfix if a GDR is currently installed, the        installer ensures that the hotfix version associated with the        GDR is lower than the hotfix being installed.

Below shows an example update sequence assuming that the patch buildversion started at 1 and a 100 build gap.

-   -   RTM    -   GDR 1 (associated with hotfix 103)    -   Unused    -   Unused    -   . . .    -   Hotfix 100    -   Hotfix 101    -   Hotfix 102    -   Hotfix 103 (associated with GDR 1)

This schema allows for answering the question “Does this instance have aGDR, a hotfix, or neither applied” by simply doing a file version rangecheck for the known reserved numbers.

In the case that the reserved numbers are exhausted, a new range ofreserved numbers is created above the existing hotfixes. Below shows anexample :

Existing ranges

-   -   1-99 are reserved.    -   100-500 are used by hotfixes

A new gap is created

-   -   501-599 is reserved    -   600 is the next hotfix number

Since the installers only need to know the reserved numbers that existedwhen they were shipped because everything newer is higher versioned,everything behaves correctly.

To rebaseline a product, another gap is created between the currenthighest hotfix and the baseline number. The size of the gap is based onthe estimation of how many hotfixes will need to be shipped on theprevious baseline (N, N−1 servicing). None of the N−1 patches willinstall over the baseline because of simply version checking.

GDR may determine the hotfix version to which the GDR is associated. Inone example implementation, an extended file header entry for the updatemay be used. For example, AssociatedHotfixVersion may be used toidentify the version. In another example implementation, an entry in aregistry can also be used to identify the version number.

In a further example implementation, a part of the build number in theGDR binaries may be used to identify the associated hotfix version.Below is an example where the 4th build number is used:

Major.Minor.GDR version.Associated Hotfix version

In the example above where the GDR version is 1 and the associatedhotfix version is 103, a SQL 2000 file version would be: 2000.08.1.103.Whenever the associated hotfix version is needed, it can be retrievedfrom the file version information. A registry key may also be used foridentifying the associated hotfix version.

A GDR installer is configured to improve the user experience duringinvalid hotfix installations. For example, the GDR installer isconfigured to know the reserved number ranges at the time it wasshipped. The GDR installer is also configured to know the version numberof its associated hotfix. The associated hotfix version number can beretrieved from the file version number of the GDR. If the GDR installerdetermines that there is a hotfix on the machine and the version numberis less than the associated hotfix number, the installer reports thehotfix version that the customer needs to install.

A hotfix installer is configured with logic to prevent out of orderinstalls and regression of security fixes. For example, the hotfixinstaller is configured to know the reserved number ranges at the timeit was shipped. The hotfix can use the reserved number ranges todetermine if the instance has a hotfix or GDR installed. If a GDR iscurrently installed on the machine, the hotfix installer is configuredto check the version of the hotfix associated with the GDR. If the GDR'sassociated hotfix version is higher than the hotfix being installed, amessage is provided to the user indicating the minimum hotfix level thatshould be provided.

An example scenario is that a GDR 1 has been installed that isassociated with hotfix 103. That means that only hotfix 103 and abovecan install over GDR 1. If a user tries to install hotfix 102, thehotfix installer checks the version number of the instance. If theversion is a reserved number, the hotfix installer checks if theassociated version number registry key is less than the version beinginstalled. If so, the hotfix proceeds. Otherwise, an error message isdisplayed with the associated version number value from the GDRinstalled on the machine. In this case, a message would be displayed,indicating that the user needs to install hotfix version 103 or higher.

A baseline shipped after branching has been issued may be configured tooverwrite all previous GDR and hotfix versions. The baseline may alsodelete the GDR associated hotfix registry key if the Registry option isimplemented. No changes are needed in baselines prior to branching.

Below are some examples of scenarios of typical uses:

a) GDR installed on RTM

-   -   RTM is build version 0    -   GDR is build version 1 and AssociatedHotfixBuild version 101    -   Simple version checking allows the install to proceed.    -   Registry key AssociatedHotfixBuild 101 is written (for the        Registry option).

b) GDR installed on GDR

-   -   Starting with GDR installed on RTM    -   GDR build version 2 and AssociatedHotfixBuild version 102    -   Simple version checking allows the install to proceed.    -   Registry key AssociatedHotfixBuild 102 is written (for the        Registry option).

c) Hotfix installed on RTM

-   -   RTM is build version 0    -   Hotfix is build version 102    -   Simple version checking allows the install to proceed.

d) GDR installed on a Hotfix

-   -   Starting with Hotfix installed on RTM    -   GDR is build version 1 and AssociatedHotfixBuild version 101    -   Simple version checking blocks the installation (1<102)

e) Hotfix installed on GDR

-   -   Starting with GDR installed on RTM    -   Hotfix is build version 102    -   Hotfix detects that a GDR is installed on the machine    -   Hotfix looks up the registry that contains the        AssociatedHotfixBuild value (for the Registry option).    -   If the AssociatedHotfixBuild value is lower than hotfix 102 the        installation proceeds. Otherwise it is blocked.

f) Hotfix installed on hotfix

-   -   Starting with Hotfix installed on RTM    -   Hotfix is build version 105    -   Simple version checking allows the install to proceed.

g) Baseline (Service Pack) installed on hotfix

-   -   Starting with Hotfix installed on RTM    -   Baseline checks major/minor version and ignores build number to        determine applicability.    -   The AssociatedHotfixBuild registry key is deleted (for the        Registry option.

h) Baseline Installed on QFE

-   -   Starting with GDR installed on RTM    -   Baseline checks major/minor version and ignores build number to        determine applicability.    -   The AssociatedHotfixBuild registry key is deleted (for the        Registry option.

FIG. 4 shows an example process 400 for installing a specific update foran executable component. Example process 400 may be implemented by aninstaller for installing a specific update, such as a hotfix, onto acomputing device. At block 402, the executable component associated withthe specific update currently available for installation is identified.At decision block 404, a determination is made whether one or moreupdates exist for the executable component. If no, process 400 moves toblock 414.

Returning to decision block 404, if at least one update exists for theexecutable component, process 400 moves to block 406 where the versionnumber of the existing update is identified. The version number may beidentified by any method, such as from a build number associated withthe previously installed update, a registry key, a version numberidentifier data structure, or the like. At decision block 408, adetermination is made whether the last existing update is a generalupdate. For example, the installer may be configured to know a versionnumber range that has been reserved for general update. If the versionnumber of the existing update exceeds this range, then the versionnumber indicates that the existing update is a specific update. In thiscase, process 400 goes to decision block 412.

Returning to decision block 408, if the existing update is a generalupdate, process 400 moves to block 410 where the specific update versioncorresponding to the existing general update is determined. At decisionblock 412, a determination is made whether the existing update versionis lower than the current update. If so, at block 414, the currentspecific update is installed onto the computing device. If the versionnumber of the existing update is not lower than the current update, theninstalling the current update may revert the existing fixes already onthe computing device and should not be done. In this case, process 400moves to block 416 where the determined specific update version isindicated as a minimum required update version level.

FIG. 5 shows an example process 500 for installing a general update foran executable component. Example process 500 may be implemented by aninstaller for installing a general update, such as a GDR, onto acomputing device. At block 503, the executable component associated withthe general update currently available for installation is identified.At decision block 505, a determination is made whether one or moreupdates associated with the executable component have already beeninstalled. If not, process 500 moves to block 523 where the generalupdate is installed.

Returning to decision block 505, if at least one update exists for theexecutable component, process 500 moves to block 507 where the versionnumber of the last existing update is identified. At decision block 509,a determination is made whether the existing update is a specificupdate. If not, then the existing update is a general update. Process500 goes to decision block 524 where a determination is made whether theversion of current general update is higher than the existing generalupdate. If so, process 500 goes to block 523 where the general update isinstalled. If the version of current general update is not higher thanthe existing general update, process 500 moves to block 525 where theinstaller indicates to the user that the current general update is notnecessary.

Returning to decision block 509, if the existing update is a specificupdate, process 500 goes to block 511 where the specific update versioncorresponding to the current general update is determined. At decisionblock 513, a determination is made whether the determined specificupdate version corresponding to the current general update is higherthan the version of the existing specific update. If so, process 500moves to block 515 where the installer indicates to the user that thedetermined specific update version level corresponding to the currentgeneral update should be installed. If the determined specific updateversion corresponding to current general update is higher than theversion of the existing specific update, process 500 goes to block 525where the installer indicates to the user that the current generalupdate is not necessary.

FIG. 6 shows an example computer device 600 for implementing thedescribed systems and methods. In its most basic configuration,computing device 600 typically includes at least one central processingunit (CPU) 605 and memory 610.

Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device,memory 610 may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM,flash memory, etc.) or some combination of the two. Additionally,computing device 600 may also have additional features/functionality.For example, computing device 600 may include multiple CPU's. Thedescribed methods may be executed in any manner by any processing unitin computing device 600. For example, the described process may beexecuted by both multiple CPU's in parallel.

Computing device 600 may also include additional storage (removableand/or non-removable) including, but not limited to, magnetic or opticaldisks or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 6 bystorage 615. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile,removable and non-removable media implemented in any method ortechnology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Memory 610and storage 615 are all examples of computer storage media. Computerstorage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flashmemory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD)or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magneticdisk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other mediumwhich can be used to store the desired information and which canaccessed by computing device 600. Any such computer storage media may bepart of computing device 600.

Computing device 600 may also contain communications device(s) 640 thatallow the device to communicate with other devices. Communicationsdevice(s) 640 is an example of communication media. Communication mediatypically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as acarrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any informationdelivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that hasone or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as toencode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media includes wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,infrared and other wireless media. The term computer-readable media asused herein includes both computer storage media and communicationmedia. The described methods may be encoded in any computer-readablemedia in any form, such as data, computer-executable instructions, andthe like.

Computing device 600 may also have input device(s) 635 such as keyboard,mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, etc. Outputdevice(s) 630 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. may also beincluded. All these devices are well know in the art and need not bediscussed at length.

Those skilled in the art will realize that storage devices utilized tostore program instructions can be distributed across a network. Forexample a remote computer may store an example of the process describedas software. A local or terminal computer may access the remote computerand download a part or all of the software to run the program.Alternatively the local computer may download pieces of the software asneeded, or distributively process by executing some softwareinstructions at the local terminal and some at the remote computer (orcomputer network). Those skilled in the art will also realize that byutilizing conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art thatall, or a portion of the software instructions may be carried out by adedicated circuit, such as a DSP, programmable logic array, or the like.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: maintaining a specificupdating branch and a general updating branch for an executablecomponent installed on a plurality of client devices, the specificupdating branch comprising specific updates that are particular to oneor more first client devices from the plurality of client devices thathave specific problems with the executable component, the generalupdating branch comprising general updates that are generally applicableto the plurality of client devices; providing individual specificupdates to the one or more first client devices; providing individualgeneral updates to one or more second client devices from the pluralityof client devices; configuring a first installer to examine a firstversion number of a first instance of the executable component that isinstalled on an individual first client device and determine that theindividual specific updates should be installed on the individual firstclient device based on the first version number; configuring the firstinstaller to install the individual specific updates on the individualfirst client device instead of the individual general updates; andproviding the first installer to the individual first client device,wherein at least the configuring the first installer to examine theversion number and to install the individual specific updates isperformed by a processing unit.
 2. The method according to claim 1,further comprising providing a second installer to an individual secondclient device.
 3. The method according to claim 2, further comprisingconfiguring the second installer to install the individual generalupdates on the individual second client device instead of the individualspecific updates.
 4. The method according to claim 3, further comprisingconfiguring the second installer to examine a second version number of asecond instance of the executable component that is installed on theindividual second client device and determine that the individualgeneral updates should be installed on the individual second clientdevice instead of the individual specific updates.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising: configuring one or more otherinstallers to: install the individual specific updates in a thirdinstance of the executable component on a third client device; andinstall the individual general updates in a fourth instance of theexecutable component on the third client device; and providing the oneor more other installers to the third client device.
 6. One or morecomputer-readable memory devices or storage devices encoded withdevice-executable instructions that, when executed by one or moreprocessing units, cause the one or more processing units to perform actscomprising: obtaining updates including general updates and specificupdates for an executable component; separating the general updates andthe specific updates into a general updating branch including thegeneral updates and a specific updating branch including the specificupdates; and configuring one or more installers to: determine that afirst client device is associated with the general updating branch, whenthe first client device is determined to be associated with the generalupdating branch, install a new general update from the general updatingbranch on the first client device, determine that a second client deviceis associated with the specific updating branch when individual specificupdates of the specific updating branch have been previously installedon the second client device, and when the second client device isdetermined to be associated with the specific updating branch, preventinstallation of the new general update on the second client device andinstall a further specific update from the specific updating branch onthe second client device.
 7. The one or more computer-readable memorydevices or storage devices according to claim 6, the acts furthercomprising: reserving a first range of version numbers for the generalupdates in the general updating branch and a second range of versionnumbers for the specific updates in the specific updating branch;configuring the one or more installers to determine that the firstclient device is associated with the general updating branch based onthe first client device having a first version number that is in thefirst range of version numbers for the general updates in the generalupdating branch; and configuring the one or more installers to determinethat the second client device is associated with the specific updatingbranch based on the second client device having a second version numberthat is in the second range of version numbers for the specific updatesin the specific updating branch.
 8. The one or more computer-readablememory devices or storage devices according to claim 7, wherein the newgeneral update and the further specific update both include anindividual fix that is common to the new general update and the furtherspecific update.
 9. The one or more computer-readable memory devices orstorage devices according to claim 8, the acts further comprising:combining a version number of the further specific update and a versionnumber of the new general update into a file version for the executablecomponent.
 10. The one or more computer-readable memory devices orstorage devices media according to claim 6, wherein the general updatescomprise binary updates.
 11. A system comprising: a processing unit; anda computer-readable memory device or storage device storingcomputer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processingunit, configure the processing unit to: obtain an individual fix thatfixes a problem associated with an executable component that isinstalled on a plurality of client devices; maintain a specific updatingbranch and a general updating branch for the executable component, thespecific updating branch comprising specific updates for one or morefirst client devices from the plurality of client devices, the generalupdating branch comprising general updates that are generally applicableto the plurality of client devices; include the individual fix in bothan individual specific update in the specific updating branch and anindividual general update in the general updating branch; cause the oneor more first client devices from the plurality of client devices toinstall the individual fix using the individual specific update insteadof the individual general update; and cause one or more second clientdevices from the plurality of client devices to install the individualfix using the individual general update instead of the individualspecific update.
 12. The system according to claim 11, furthercomprising: an individual first client device.
 13. The system accordingto claim 12, further comprising: an individual second client device. 14.The system according to claim 11, wherein the executable componentcomprises an operating system.
 15. The system according to claim 11,wherein the executable component comprises an application.
 16. Thesystem according to claim 11, wherein the computer-executableinstructions further configure the processing unit to: cause the one ormore first client devices and the one or more second client devices toinstall the individual fix by providing installers to the plurality ofclient devices, wherein the installers are configured to: install theindividual specific update on the one or more first client devices, andinstall the individual general update on the one or more second clientdevices.
 17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the installersare configured to determine whether other general updates or otherspecific updates are installed on the plurality of client devices todetermine whether to install the individual specific update or theindividual general update.
 18. The system according to claim 17, whereinthe installers are configured to determine whether the other generalupdates or the other specific updates are installed on the plurality ofclient devices using version numbers of the other general updates andthe other specific updates.
 19. The system according to claim 18,wherein the computer-executable instructions further configure theprocessing unit to maintain non-overlapping ranges of version numbersfor the specific updates and the general updates.
 20. The systemaccording to claim 19, wherein the computer-executable instructionsfurther configure the processing unit to rebaseline the executablecomponent by defining new non-overlapping ranges of the version numbersfor further specific updates and further general updates that aredistributed after the executable component is rebaselined.